DNS is a fundamental part of the Internet - an invisible force that allows us to surf, email and use apps effortlessly. Yet many people don't know exactly what DNS is or what it does. In this article, we explain it in an understandable way: what is DNS, how does it work and why is it so important?
What is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. Simply put, it is the system that allows domain names such as surver.com converts to an IP address such as 192.0.2.1. Every server on the Internet has a unique IP address, similar to a phone number. Because it is impractical for people to remember all those number strings, we use domain names. DNS is the system that handles this translation.
Compare it to searching for a contact in your phone: you type in the name, but your phone dials the number. That's how DNS works too - you type in a name, the system takes care of the rest.
How does DNS work?
When you visit a Web site, all sorts of things happen under the hood - automatically and at lightning speed:
- Domain name entry: For example, you type surver.com in your browser.
- DNS query: Your device sends a request to a DNS resolver (often from your Internet service provider or a third-party service such as Google DNS).
- Searching through DNS servers:
- First, the system checks whether the information is available locally (e.g., in the cache).
- If not, the resolver consults a root server that redirects to the appropriate TLD server (e.g., .nl).
- The request is then forwarded to the name server responsible for surver.com.
- IP address received: The resolver receives the correct IP address from the name server.
- Website loading: The browser uses the IP address to connect to the server where the Web site is running.
The entire process usually takes less than a second. Thanks to caching, this doesn't have to be done every time; popular websites load extra fast as a result.
Why is DNS important?
1. Usability
DNS makes the Internet accessible to everyone. Instead of numbers, we use logical, recognizable names. This makes browsing intuitive and clear.
2. Speed and performance
A fast and reliable DNS provider ensures that Web sites load smoothly. Slow or unreliable DNS servers can actually cause delays or error messages.
3. Security
DNS also plays an important role in online security. For example, a DNS provider can block malicious domains even before your computer connects to a dangerous server. There are also special secure DNS protocols such as DNSSEC and DoH (DNS over HTTPS) that help protect your data.
4. Stability and uptime
For website owners, DNS is crucial. A properly configured DNS zone ensures that email works properly, your website is accessible and your subdomains function correctly. Errors in DNS settings can cause downtime or miss important messages.
5. Flexibility
Through DNS, you can easily create pointers to different servers or services - such as a separate email server, a subdomain for your web shop or a separate server for your API.
DNS is a silent force behind virtually every online activity. From loading Web sites to sending e-mails - little will come of it without a functioning DNS system. Understanding how DNS works and why it's important not only helps with technical problems, but also makes you better prepared if you manage your own domain or run a Web site.
Do you have questions about DNS settings or want advice on optimal configurations? Our team at Surver is happy to help you with personal support and technical expertise.
